Heads up, I’m about to say something cliché — but it’s true. I always knew I’d be a designer growing up, I just didn’t know what kind.

I got into computer science when my best friend convinced me to take a programming class in high school. Once I realized you could create art with code? I was hooked. And since tech is pretty introvert-friendly, it felt like a win-win.

In college, I bounced around trying to figure out what direction I wanted to go in CS. It wasn’t until junior year that I discovered UX/UI design, and everything finally clicked.

That same year, I joined the Disney College Program. As someone with a severe food allergy, I remember how good it felt to still enjoy amazing food experiences at Disney, thanks to their allergy-friendly menus. That kind of thoughtful inclusion stuck with me — and it’s exactly what I want people to feel when they use my designs.